Contact(s)
Swimming Pool Enclosure By-Law Enforcement
Overview
The City of St. Catharines has by-laws addressing the construction, location and use of fences on private property. Fence features, such as maximum heights, are regulated by this by-law.
Fences constructed according to the City's fence by-laws protect the safety of the homeowner, can help improve property values and will maintain the standards of the city.
In order to ensure compliance of the City's fence by-law, it is in your best interest to contact a zoning technician in the Transportation and Environmental Services department to discuss the fence plans for your property.
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Fence maintenance infractions are dealt with through Property Standards Enforcement.
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Fence height infractions are dealt with through Zoning By-Law Enforcement.
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Swimming pool enclosure infractions are dealt with through By-Law Enforcement.
Process
When a formal complaint is received, an inspector makes a site visit to determine if it is a valid complaint. Once this has been established, a letter is sent detailing the specifics of the infraction and what is required for compliance with the by-law, including how long the resident has to complete the modifications for compliance.
In addition, anyone who is in violation of the City's by-law and does not comply with a notice that is issued by the City's by-law enforcement office may be subject to legal action.
Penalty
Failure to comply with a served notice will result in this matter being submitted to Legal Services, recommending prosecution commence. In the Ontario Court of Justice, a conviction for this type of offence can result in a fine noted below.
The maximum fine for non-compliance with the City's by-law is:
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Fence Maintenance |
$25,000 maximum fine for a first offence |
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Fence Height |
$25,000 maximum fine for a first offence |
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Swimming Pool Enclosure |
$5,000 Provincial Offences Act |
